Abstract:
Clinically approved cell and gene therapies are opening up future possibilities to treat and prevent myriad diseases, which
may include allergic diseases. In South Africa, this could help alleviate the high disease burden and economic cost of
treating such diseases. However, even if viable gene-editing options to treat, cure and prevent allergic diseases become
safe, effective and affordable for the South African market within the next few decades, the ethical implications and
challenges of perceptions, regulation and oversight to ensure safety and equitable access remain. It would be important
for all stakeholders involved, including the public and physicians, clinicians and ethicists on clinical and research ethics
committees, to be informed about the possibilities, to engage in discussions with one another and to redress any gaps
in knowledge. It would be especially important to determine whether cases for gene-editing aimed at allergy would be
applied for therapeutic purposes or for enhancement. Much research and discussion remain to be embarked upon;
however, it is imperative that research and engagement are expanded and prioritised.
